The title for this post was suppose to read "Mt. Stuart via the Cascadian Couloir." Unfortunately, after a beautiful bluebird day on our approach, the rain began. Actually it was more of a drizzle. It started shortly after the mouse went running over my head. It was about 1:00 AM, that a light drizzle woke us all up, with a light tapping on our nylon bivy bags. The plan was to wake up at first light and start the trudge up the Cascadian Couloir. James had his stove next to his bed, and had promised to fire it up, at dawn, and get ready the hot water for oatmeal and coffee. Alas no one started the stove at dawn. I think we had all realized that day 2 was cancelled.
Day 1 had started so much better. Partners were Don and James, both fellow firefighters. We were happy to be able to drive all the way to the Esmerelda trailhead. We geared up and started for Longs Pass - approx 6,100 ft., 1900' above the parking lot. The sun had melted out the South slopes and we had to hike straight up hill for about the first 900 feet before we were able to put on our skis and begin skinning. We reached Longs Pass fairly quickly and were a little shocked to see how much Mt. Stuart had melted out. After peering across the valley, at our intended route, we decided that the ribbon of snow, Cascadian Couloir, would actually go. We had an enjoyable ski down to Ingalls Creek 4,600 ft., linking patches of snow on the lower slopes, as we neared the creek. Found a good snow free campsite and settled in for the evening. Then the mouse ran over my ear and....
Pictures: 1- James skinning up w/ Esmerelda peaks in background, 2 -Mt. Stuart from Longs Pass w/ our intended route, 3 -James carving turns, 4- Don, 5- our campsite at ingalls creek.
Which nut do I need?
Summit
Rappelling down
The Tooth as seen from Alpental valley
The title for this post was suppose to read "Mt. Stuart via the Cascadian Couloir." Unfortunately, after a beautiful bluebird day on our approach, the rain began. Actually it was more of a drizzle. It started shortly after the mouse went running over my head. It was about 1:00 AM, that a light drizzle woke us all up, with a light tapping on our nylon bivy bags. The plan was to wake up at first light and start the trudge up the Cascadian Couloir. James had his stove next to his bed, and had promised to fire it up, at dawn, and get ready the hot water for oatmeal and coffee. Alas no one started the stove at dawn. I think we had all realized that day 2 was cancelled.
We met at 8:00 am. Everyone arrived at Sahalie at the same time. Greg, me, and two new people Ellie and husband Chris. I actually work with Chris, although on different shifts. When he mentioned wanting to tour Red Mt., I offered to hook up with them. With all the fresh snow from last week, avalanching down the hills, it looked like it might be an effort to find smooth snow. Hoping to ski off the East summit of Snoqualmie, we got an early start. Unfortunately, with warm temps overnight, the snow was quickly turning to mush. Back-up plan kicked in, and we followed the tracks I made last week, and headed down the crooked couloir. Snow was variable, but we found some good turns. Finished with a ski in the trees back to Alpental.
I arrived at Alpental parking lot at 8:50 and secured one of the last parking spots at the ski area. With 6" new, up to a foot predicted, and Crystal and Stevens closed, it was going to be a busy day. Luckily, I quickly left the crowds behind, and started touring towards Chair Peak with Seth, Josh, and Eric. We had, maybe, 4 people ahead of us, and lots of untracked slopes. At Snow Lake divide we turned left to climb over the shoulder of Chair and down the North slope to Snow Lake. We would not see another person or track until just before re-entering Alpental valley at Bryant Pass. Nice to have an alternate universe only a quick skin away! The visibility was in and out, but the snow was boot deep and fluffy light. Finished the day with Bryant couloir. Not many days when you can go around Chair and have good snow on all aspects.
Final day of touring. It's been a great trip. Started the morning with Mt. Davenport and views down into the Brighton ski area. The slope was a little wind scoured, so we headed down the ridge to the East looking for pockets of powder. Ended up back in the same valley as the first day, and found some excellent turns. Managed to hit the 6,000 foot vertical mark for our last day. Legs were burning, but couldn't stop spinning laps in the powder.
